Girls S-cup 2009: Interview with Rena!

Girls S-cup 2009, the very first women's Shoot Boxing tournament, will take place at Shinagawa Stella Ball this weekend.

One of the favorites for this tournament is, Rena, a 17-year old high school karate-ka from Oikawa Dojo. Since her school is on the summer vacation, as a part of her preparation for this weekend, Rena trained at Ceasar's Gym in Tokyo.

Q:

How long did you train at the Ceasar Gym?

Rena:

About ten days, from July 21st.

Q:

So, how was it training at Ceasar's Gym? Its the headquarters for Shoot Boxing.

Rena:

Well, it was hard. The training was hard but also it was a different environment for me. Besides I have to be strong in there otherwise they would say, "What kind of training are you doing at Oikawa Dojo?" so I came to Tokyo with determination that I will hang in there no matter how hard the training menu is going to be.

Q:

This training was for not only for you but also for the entire Oikawa Dojo?

Rena:

Yeah that's why I couldn't even take a breath mentally so I think I became psychologically strong. Ever since when I was a sixth grader, I began training at Oikawa Dojo and this is the first time I didn't go there for ten days.

Q:

So you were with not your team mates all the time?

Rena:

Yes so I was so lonely that I couldn't see them for ten days. But I cannot be feeling down when I train. So in that sense, I really think I became a stronger fighter.

Q:

In your last fight in JEWELS it seems though you’re trying more throws. Are you emphasizing your training now more on throws?

Rena:

From this year I began training judo. After all, last year, when MIKU threw me and defeated me, and that was a big blow for me. By losing that fight, naturally, I began to see what I need to win. I am now being taught by this judo master who used to be the rival of Yoshihiro Akiyama in judo.

Q:

So you really are training judo.

Rena:

I began with ukemi, a fundamental of judo.

Q:

So in your last fight, you were able to show your progress from judo training?

Rena:

Yeah I did clear my goal but I thought about it way too much. So, now, that has become my next subject. I was just thinking about throwing but I did gain confidence by executing a throw (in the fight) but the next time, I have to think about balance too.

Q:

During your training in Tokyo, I heard you did many interviews with the media.

Rena:

Yes, many. I can't even count anymore. (laugh)

But I am happy that the media is covering me because I think its good so I want to do as many media interviews as possible.

Q:

Does this mean you are now aware that you are the leading figure in the women's Shoot Boxing?

Rena:

Well but the most important thing is what is taking place in the ring though.

Q:

For sure, then your next fight in Girls S-cup is going to be very important for you.

Rena:

I think this is going to be a turning point in my life.

Q:

What was your first reaction when you heard of Girl's S-cup?

Rena:

I immediately thought, "Alright!" Its a big opportunity because there is going to be a belt. Sure some called me an Ace fighter of women's Shoot Boxing but I don't have any belt or title.

Q:

When were you thinking about "championship belt"?

Rena:

Actually, from even before I made a pro debut.

Q:

So, you made a pro debut thinking you are going to be a champion?

Rena:

YES. Sensei Oikawa has the belt so I was thinking, "Hey I want to have that too."

Q:

So, now, do you have the confidence to win the belt?

Rena:

From a long time ago I had that confidence.

Q:

Shoot Boxing finally announced the tournament match-up, what is your impression on the brackets?

Rena:

I am not thinking too much in particular.

I did lose to Lim Soo Jung once but I am confident that if I fight her again, I will win. So I am just thinking "I hope I get to fight her" that's it. Nothing more.

Q:

There are many MMA fighters in this tournament.

Rena:

For sure MMA fighters would be strong in the clinch but I have striking skill and also I did conquer my problem with throws as well. So I have nothing to be afraid. I have never seen V Hajime doing a kick boxing bout, and I have seen (Saori) Ishioka-san doing a Shoot Boxing bout but she didn't throw enough striking. So no matter who I am going to face, I am confident that I can win the tournament.

Q:

What would be the most important element in winning this tournament?

Rena:

I think its mental. At the Ceasar Gym, (Kenichi) Ogata-san taught me, "If you fight three times in one day of course you are going to feel the pain somewhere. After you win once, sometimes a fighter thinks, well that is good enough. But in that kind of situation, a fighter who keeps thinking about being number one would win the tournament."You know you learn a lot training with a fighter who has conquered the S-cup in the past.

Q:

So, you did gain this mental strength this summer?

Rena:

Yes. That is why, in the mental department, I am extremely confident.Last year, I fought in the big venue, I was able to fight in Korea, and I did fight in the JEWELS show so I went through many experiences. So far I've had ten pro fights so if I can utilize my experiences from all my past fights, I can win this tournament.